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I was a little curious about the detail of this, since I didn't really know what Square offers beyond being a 'payments company' (which could mean anything). I

by GlennS 10y ago

I was a little curious about the detail of this, since I didn't really know what Square offers beyond being a 'payments company' (which could mean anything). It seems that they're claiming to be cheaper for small businesses. Is that true? Their per-transaction fee seems pretty high, and their device is about the same price as a chip and pin reader. They also have mobile payment support, but surely that's just a gimmick at this point?

untog 10y ago
Given the proliferation of tap and pay in the UK, I can't help but think any other "mobile payment" solution is dead in the water.
Nursie 10y ago
Mobile payment like apple pay and android? No, it's a growing sector. It also mostly comes for free once you have contactless in place. Their offering seems to be more than just a card reader, they bundle a PoS app too. Not saying it's the best thing since sliced bread, but it does seem like a fairly complete package. edit - can I ask why I got a downvote? Not sure I said anything contentious there.
- falsedan 10y ago
  Every card in the UK issued in the last few years can be used for contactless payments, and every sandwich shop has a chip-and-pin handset which can process them. I added the one card which doesn't support contactless to my iPhone wallet but being able to use my debit card is much easier (plus I don't have to worry about draining its battery).
  - Nursie 10y ago
    Not every card, my credit card did not, for whatever reason. There may be better security through Apple/Android pay, IIRC they don't expose a real card number, and the phone must be awake (and sometimes unlocked) to process a payment. Regardless, it's irrelevant - the processing tech for android/apple pay is the same as for other contactless cards, so it comes for free - lots of places supported it without even knowing. That sandwich shop reader already supports phone payments most likely. I like it - saves me fiddling with my wallet.
    - falsedan 10y ago
      My point is, consumers already expect to use their card, not a phone/app; and for users who do have the necessary hardware, it's still about as convenient to use their card rather than their phone.
      - Nursie 10y ago
        So, some consumers now like to use their phone, I personally find it more convenient. As an extra capability that appeals to some folks it's a no-brainer to market it as a feature. Sure, it's probably only a few percent at present. Your objection seems to be "I don't use that, therefore they shouldn't mention it on their page", no?
        falsedan 10y ago
        > I don't use that, therefore they shouldn't mention it on their page Oops, that's not my intended message at all! I don't care what they say on their site & I certainly don't expect them to pay attention to the rants of random HN commentators… I know people don't use their phone to pay for things here, and I don't understand why you think it will help Square make any inroads into the UK market.
        Nursie 10y ago
        I don't understand why people object to it as a marketing selling point - it's a new(ish) payment method that's expected to become more widespread over time. Selling your product to a retailer with "Hey, it does this too" can't be a bad thing? >> I know people don't use their phone to pay for things here Where is here? I've seen folks in London using their phone to pass the Oyster/underground gates, and I see people at work use their phones every day in the on-site eatery. When I brandish my phone at the McDonald's drive-through for a coffee, the staff don't look at me like I'm crazy, they hold out the machine. I'm really not sure why you think that it's objectionable.
        falsedan 10y ago

by GlennS 10y ago

untog 10y ago

Given the proliferation of tap and pay in the UK, I can't help but think any other "mobile payment" solution is dead in the water.

Nursie 10y ago

Mobile payment like apple pay and android? No, it's a growing sector. It also mostly comes for free once you have contactless in place. Their offering seems to be more than just a card reader, they bundle a PoS app too. Not saying it's the best thing since sliced bread, but it does seem like a fairly complete package. edit - can I ask why I got a downvote? Not sure I said anything contentious there.

falsedan 10y ago
Every card in the UK issued in the last few years can be used for contactless payments, and every sandwich shop has a chip-and-pin handset which can process them. I added the one card which doesn't support contactless to my iPhone wallet but being able to use my debit card is much easier (plus I don't have to worry about draining its battery).
- Nursie 10y ago
  Not every card, my credit card did not, for whatever reason. There may be better security through Apple/Android pay, IIRC they don't expose a real card number, and the phone must be awake (and sometimes unlocked) to process a payment. Regardless, it's irrelevant - the processing tech for android/apple pay is the same as for other contactless cards, so it comes for free - lots of places supported it without even knowing. That sandwich shop reader already supports phone payments most likely. I like it - saves me fiddling with my wallet.
  - falsedan 10y ago
    My point is, consumers already expect to use their card, not a phone/app; and for users who do have the necessary hardware, it's still about as convenient to use their card rather than their phone.
    - Nursie 10y ago
      So, some consumers now like to use their phone, I personally find it more convenient. As an extra capability that appeals to some folks it's a no-brainer to market it as a feature. Sure, it's probably only a few percent at present. Your objection seems to be "I don't use that, therefore they shouldn't mention it on their page", no?
      - falsedan 10y ago
        > I don't use that, therefore they shouldn't mention it on their page Oops, that's not my intended message at all! I don't care what they say on their site & I certainly don't expect them to pay attention to the rants of random HN commentators… I know people don't use their phone to pay for things here, and I don't understand why you think it will help Square make any inroads into the UK market.
        Nursie 10y ago
        I don't understand why people object to it as a marketing selling point - it's a new(ish) payment method that's expected to become more widespread over time. Selling your product to a retailer with "Hey, it does this too" can't be a bad thing? >> I know people don't use their phone to pay for things here Where is here? I've seen folks in London using their phone to pass the Oyster/underground gates, and I see people at work use their phones every day in the on-site eatery. When I brandish my phone at the McDonald's drive-through for a coffee, the staff don't look at me like I'm crazy, they hold out the machine. I'm really not sure why you think that it's objectionable.
        falsedan 10y ago